Fabric Decorating Kit with Washable Coloring

ABSTRACT

A fabric decorating kit with washable coloring. The kit comprises a fabric piece, such as an article of apparel, and/or a plurality of washable markers, paints, and crayons, for decorating and creating artwork on the fabric piece. The fabric piece may be washed repeatedly and re-decorated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/052,096, filed May 9, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of fabric decoration in general and to a fabric decorating kit with washable coloring, in particular.

2. Prior Art

The idea of decorating and creating artwork on fabric is well known in the art and is the basis of many children's projects at schools, homes, camps, picnics, parties, etc. In such projects, paint, markers, and colors are typically utilized to decorate an article of apparel, such as a t-shirt. Other similar projects involve the use of pre-printed or pre-selected artwork, such as pictures, slogans, or signs, which can be transferred onto the fabric through heat and pressure. However, several problems exist with such prior art methods. First, such decorating methods are permanent, thus once the artwork has been applied to the fabric, it cannot be modified or changed. Second, such permanent decorating methods are also not practical or economical, requiring the use/purchase of a plurality of fabric pieces for every new artwork to be applied. Third, as mentioned above, much of the heat/pressure transferable artwork is pre-determined, as opposed to being personalized and creative. Finally, once the artwork application has been completed, it is often cumbersome and time-consuming to collect, organize, and store the various artwork paraphernalia in their respective locations. Accordingly, an improvement over what is available in the prior art is desired.

For these reasons, an improved fabric decorating kit meeting the following objectives would be highly desirable.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit comprising washable coloring.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that allows for repeated washing and re-decoration of the fabric.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that is practical.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that is economical.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that allows for a personalized and creative approach to creating wearable art.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that allows for a quick and easy organization and storage of the artwork paraphernalia.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fabric decorating kit that is compact, portable, and reusable.

These and other objects of the invention shall become apparent from the ensuing figures and descriptions of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved fabric decorating kit with washable coloring is disclosed. The preferred embodiment generally comprises a fabric piece and washable colors for decorating the fabric piece. In a further preferred embodiment, the kit comprises a storage pouch in the form of a user wearable knapsack including compartments for storing the fabric piece, the washable colors, and various artwork paraphernalia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the decorating kit of the present invention and its various components, including fabric pieces, washable colors, and artwork paraphernalia.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an assembled fabric decorating kit of the present invention, including a user wearable knapsack incorporating a t-shirt, a plurality of washable markers, a stencil kit, and a stamp.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of a fabric decorating kit of the present invention, illustrating the straps of the user wearable knapsack.

FIG. 4A depicts a user decorating the t-shirt of FIG. 2 with the washable markers.

FIG. 4B depicts the t-shirt being washed.

FIG. 4C depicts the user re-decorating the t-shirt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An improved fabric decorating kit 1 is disclosed. Without any intent to limit the scope of this invention, reference is made to the Figures in describing the preferred embodiments of the invention.

As depicted by FIGS. 2 and 3, kit 1 is relatively simple in construction. In its most basic embodiment, kit 1 comprises a storage pouch 8 designed to retain and store a desired fabric piece 10 to be decorated or marked. Fabric piece 10 may be an article of apparel, such as a t-shirt 10, however, it is to be understood that fabric piece 10 may encompass a wide variety of both apparel and non-apparel items. See FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, storage pouch 8 is in the shape of a bag, more preferably a user-wearable backpack or knapsack 2. The user is contemplated to be a child; however, the present invention may be utilized by persons of all ages. In a further preferred embodiment, knapsack 2 comprises back straps 6 which user may utilize to wear knapsack 2 on his back. See FIG. 3. A carry strap 4 secured to knapsack 2 may also be provided for ease in gripping and transportation, as well as a closure device 5, such as a zipper, buttons, Velcro flaps, snaps, etc. to allow user 3 to open and close knapsack 2. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, knapsack 1 comprises one or more external storage compartments 9, to store washable colors 12 such as crayons 12 a, markers 12 b, paints 12 c, and the like. See FIGS. 1 and 2. Storage compartments 9 may also be utilized to store artwork paraphernalia 13, including but not limited to stencils 13 a, stamps 13 b, brushes 13 c, sponges 13 d, and the like. Knapsack 2 may be provided with an assortment of such external compartments 9 having different sizes and shapes, to thereby allow the user to select the compartment 9 that is most suitable for his intended purpose. This allows for more versatility with regard to the different types of washable colors 12 and artwork paraphernalia 13 that can be stored. External compartments 9 each further comprise a closure device 5 to close compartments 9 and prevent the items from falling out. In constructing knapsack 2, the inventor contemplates using clear poly vinyl chloride plastic material to provide for both durability and flexibility. However, other suitable materials that provide for durability and flexibility may also be utilized.

As discussed above, kit 1 comprises a fabric piece 10 to be decorated. Fabric piece 10 in turn may encompass a wide variety of both apparel and non-apparel items. Non-limiting examples include t-shirts, caps, tote-bags, banners, handkerchiefs, sweatshirts, ties, etc. See FIG. 1. It is preferred that fabric piece 10 comprise a synthetic fiber, such as, without limitation, rayon, polyester, or a blend of same. Fabric piece 10 may also comprise natural fibers, such as cotton. However, synthetic materials are preferred because the fibers of many synthetics, such as polyester for example, will not absorb water based dyes and pigments. Rather, such coloring agents will remain on the fiber surfaces, facilitating the eventual removal of the coloring agent.

As also discussed above, kit 1 further comprises washable colors 12, such as crayons 12 a, markers 12 b, paints 12 c, colored pens, colored pencils etc. and the like. As used herein, the term “washable colors” refers to water soluble colorants, such as dyes, contained in aqueous solutions, as well as to water insoluble colorants, such as pigments, contained in aqueous dispersions. In short, any aqueous based coloring agent, which once applied, will re-dissolve or re-disperse when re-exposed to water will be suitable for use in the present invention. There exist a variety of commercially-available washable colors 12 in the market, such colors being non-toxic and formulated to easily wash from skin and clothing. Some preferred examples include: Crayola® Doodling Fine Line Washable Markers, Crayola® Washable Super Tips, Crayola® Squeezable Washable Bold 3-D Paint, Crayola® Washable Finger Paint, and Crayola® Washable Crayons; School Smart® Washable Finger Paint Set; School Smart®Washable Markers; Elmer's® 3D Washable Paint Pens; and Mr. Sketch® Fiddle Sticks Washable Unscented Markers. The above listed examples are meant to be illustrative only, it being understood that other commercially available washable colors 12 would also be acceptable for use in kit 1.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, kit 1 comprises a backing material 22, to be inserted under fabric piece 10, to thereby provide a smooth and stable surface for decorating. Backing material 22 may be constructed of cardboard, wax paper, or any other suitable material. Backing material 22 is especially useful if fabric piece 10 comprises a t-shirt 10. In such a scenario, backing material 22 can be inserted within t-shirt 10 to provide a stable and smooth surface for marling, as well as to ensure that the coloring does not absorb through to the other side of shirt 10.

A discussion of the application of kit 1 will now be presented. As a starting point of reference, a preferred embodiment of kit 1 will be assembled, and will include fabric piece 10, washable colors 12, and artwork paraphernalia 13. As an example, kit 1 may include a t-shirt 10, backing material 22, washable markers 12 b, stencils 13 a, and stamps 13 b, in respective external storage compartments 9. See FIG. 2. Of course, it is to be understood that kit 1 may include a variety of other fabric pieces 10, washable colors 12, and artwork paraphernalia 13, depending on the user's desire and intended purpose. When user desires to access these items, all user must do is simply utilize closure devices 5 to open knapsack 2 and storage compartments 9. User will then insert backing material 22 within t-shirt 10 to create a stable working surface, and utilize paraphernalia 13 to decorate t-shirt 10, in any manner he desires. See FIG. 4. After the decoration has been completed, user may desire to wear shirt 10 on his person, as a display of his personalized wearable art. Alternatively, user may decide to re-decorate shirt 10. In such a scenario, all user needs to do is simply wash shirt 10 in water. See FIG. 4A. The water may optionally contain a cleaning substance, such as detergent. User has the option to hand-wash shirt 10, alternatively he may use a home or commercial washing machine. After washing, shirt 10 is dried and optionally ironed to remove any wrinkles. Alternatively, shirt 10 may be constructed from wrinkle free fabric, to obviate the need for ironing. After cleaning, shirt 10 may be reused for another decoration. See FIG. 4B. This process can be repeated numerous times, according to the desire of the user. When the final application of the artwork has been completed, user can quickly and efficiently store t-shirt 10 and backing material 22 in knapsack 2, while organizing and storing washable colors 12 and artwork paraphernalia 13 in respective compartments 9 of knapsack 2. The user may then wear knapsack 2 on his back, or alternatively, may carry same to transport kit 1 to the desired location for storage.

In summary, the invention provides an improved fabric decorating kit 1 that allows for repeated washing and re-decoration of the fabric piece 10. Kit 1 of the present invention is simple in construction, practical and economical in use, and allows for a quick and easy organization, storage, and transport of its components. While the invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiment, other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art from a review of the foregoing. Those embodiments as well as the preferred embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the scope and spirit of the following claims. 

1. A fabric decorating kit comprising: a. a fabric piece; b. colors for decorating the fabric piece, wherein the colors are configured to be washable from the fabric piece.
 2. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, further comprising a storage pouch including a compartment for storing the fabric piece and the washable colors.
 3. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 2, wherein the storage pouch comprises a knapsack configured to be worn or held by a user.
 4. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the kit further comprises a backing material configured to be placed under the fabric piece during decoration.
 5. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the fabric piece comprises an article of apparel.
 6. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 5, wherein the article of apparel comprises a t-shirt.
 7. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the washable colors comprise washable markers.
 8. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the washable colors comprise washable crayons.
 9. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the washable colors comprise washable paints.
 10. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the kit further comprises artwork paraphernalia.
 11. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 10, wherein the artwork paraphernalia comprises stencils.
 12. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 10, wherein the artwork paraphernalia comprises a stamp.
 13. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 10, wherein the artwork paraphernalia comprises a sponge.
 14. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 10, wherein the artwork paraphernalia comprises a brush.
 15. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 1, wherein the fabric piece consists essentially of synthetic fiber.
 16. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 15, wherein the fabric piece consists essentially of polyester.
 17. The fabric decorating kit according to claim 15, wherein the fabric piece consists essentially of rayon. 